almost five months~ a wee update

five months have flown by.  crazy to think we were in Ethiopia five months ago, imagining our Christmas homecoming.  our son with us. together as three and soon to be eight.  his personality has sure emerged~ with a clear uniqueness all his own.  he will do just fine in this crew of misfits individuals.  here are some things we're learning about AJ...
~he loves to be silly.  like most kids, he's aware of his own humour and the reaction it receives, so there is much repetition happening of cute sayings or expressions.  examples, you ask?  "no way!!" in a really surprised tone as though he's trying to show his shock. "oh my goodness!" is another one...
~he loves his father.  he is already a "pro" at reading his daddy when he's playing around.  he'll look at me and say "daddy's joking"...he has also learned it's just easier to concede and try the various foods daddy is putting in front of him.  whether it's a tiny piece of raw onion, a teaspoon of dad's coffee, or something else that is a bit peculiar to a three year old, he's starting to just give in.  sometimes he'll shake his head and announce that it's yucky, and lots of other times he'll ask "more?"
~he's still quite afraid of dogs.  the other night he woke up, whimpering a bit and saying "mom?" i managed to bring myself to a state of semi-consciousness and asked "yes AJ, what is it"  he said "doggy, scary....AJ sleep in (sounds more like deep-in) mommy's bed?"  so the little man and i snuggled up~ what a gift...
~AJ loves anything motorized~ tractors, ATV's, trucks, makeenahs (or ma-cars as he sometimes calls them...kind of a combination i think!), lawn mowers, motorcycles and dirt bikes. 
~we know he'll love riding a bike someday, but have had very little success getting him to turn the pedals on his tricycle.  apparently i need to up the quad workouts with him...once he gets it, it will be a huge thing and so exciting for him. 
~he is bright.  he recognizes the Newsboys on the radio and says "Adam's music"~ he knows Adam has the CD.  he is learning songs and a current favourite is "This is the stuff" by Francesca Batestilli.  the second it starts to play on the radio, even before a word has been sung,  he says "I lost my keys!!!", which is the first line, of course.
~finally, he fits.  he just fits.  he rolls with things, he's spunky and fun.  he's loving~ generously giving and receiving,  much to the delight of the seven of us.  he is currently low maintenance, and for the moment we'll enjoy that.  he even likes wrestling tournaments!  or so he says!  so....what more can i say.  there is no denying the added joy AJ brings to this family unit.  can't imagine him not here. not part of us.  not sharing these days as one of the family.  so grateful......